From: EurasiaDigest (digest@eurasianet.org)
Date: Tue Feb 07 2006 - 13:04:39 EST
SECURITY PERSONNEL, INSURGENTS REPORTED KILLED IN MAJOR CLASH IN SOUTHERN AFGHANISTAN
Five Afghan government security personnel were killed in a clash in the Sangin district of Helmand Province on 3 February, Kabul-based Tolu Television reported the next day. Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman Yusof Stanizai called the clashes the most serious armed confrontation in the country so far this year, adding that 20 antigovernment militants were also killed in the fighting, including two "senior" neo-Taliban commanders, Tolu reported. Speaking for the neo-Taliban, Qari Mohammad Yusof on 3 February told Peshawar-based Afghan Islamic Press (AIP) that a government commander named "Koka" was killed, but did not elaborate on neo-Taliban casualties. Mullah Tor Jan, one of the neo-Taliban commanders listed as having been killed in the Sangin clashes, purportedly called AIP on 5 February to say that he is alive. Tor Jan vowed to continue his struggle until "Islamic orders are implemented" in Afghanistan. Tor Jan said that the other neo-Taliban commander reportedly killed in the clash, Hajji Nasro, is also
alive. AT
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